By: APNews
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — A north Mississippi group is gearing up for a summer nutrition program to help needy families.
The Tupelo/Lee County Hunger Coalition is extending its weekend backpack program that provides food for families of children who qualify for free and reduced school meals. The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports that the coalition aims to feed up to 800 students this summer through its Break Box program.
Coalition director Jason Martin says 20% of Lee County residents are considered to be food insecure.
Summer food boxes are filled with shelf-stable items, including milk, juice, canned vegetables and fruit and protein, like chicken and tuna. The boxes will also include meals that children can heat in a microwave, and snack items.
The coalition will distribute boxes monthly in June, July and August.
